Once you pay the quarterback, you have to fine cheap talent. Bill Polian did it for years in Indy. That's what they are trying to do here in the salary cap era.
The line, the backs, the tight ends and the wide receivers got their tails kick according to Smitty and Koetter.
Nope. There won't be too much room. They'll have to find more cheap talent.
Spoon is shooting for Tampa Bay.
He was highly coveted coming out of Stanford.
Haven't had time to study the new stadium photos. Just hope that the press box is not 15 stories in the sky like it is at Jerry's World and Lucas Oil.
Spoon can't talked to the media on the record while injured per team (stupid) rules. But I'll ask him anyway.
HISTORY OF MATT -- "DOL,
If idiots like myself and my friends know exactly whether the Falcons are going to run or pass based on the formation they're using, don't you think NFL-caliber defensive coordinators know this, too? We seriously sit in our seats, or on our couches, and call out run or pass. We're literally right over 90% of the time when the Falcons huddle.
The offense is stale and predictable. They run the same plays out of the same formations over and over again. Mike Smith can crap on us who call for the Falcons to run the no-huddle full time, but he ignores facts that shouldn't be ignored:
In the last five seasons, the Falcons have scored TD's at a greater percentage in the no-huddle compared to huddling.
In the last five seasons, the Falcons have had less percentage of 3-and-outs in the no-huddle compared to huddling.
In the last five seasons, the Falcons have had a better RB YPC and less QB pressures/sacks in the no-huddle compared to huddling.
And because of the no-huddle, the Falcons keep the same personnel on the field for the whole drive. So they're far less predictable when Ryan calls the plays, because the defense can't tell if its run or pass based on who is on the field.
Smith also ignores that no-huddle doesn't mean hurry-up. They can take as much time or as little time at the line as is necessary, as Peyton Manning does.
And the biggest fact Smith ignores is the fact that the best offensive playcaller the Falcons have had over the last 5 years is MATT RYAN, not his bland, predictable OCs. Going no-huddle will also improve the line's play, because the defense can't substitute.
But Smith will continue to ignore all of this, won't he? Because he's a dinosaur who refuses to adapt to the changing realities of the NFL.
LEDBETTER – He believes in playing real football. You need to execute. You don’t fool people in the NFL.
DENNIS GATES -- "What can the falcons do the shore up the Offensive and Defensive lines in order to establish a running game and protection for Matt?
LEDBETTER – I don’t know. I suggested to Coach Smith yesterday that he make them run the hill each time Matt gets hit or sacked. But that’s a little league deal. These are pros. They just have to fight longer and harder.
Contract with Nike ran out.
They are not under performing. They've been in every game except Arizona. They've made mistakes and have gotten beat. Those are the facts.
The OTAs and minicamp were awesome!!! Best I'd seen since the 95 Packers team. But they did make some weight room changes when they fired Jeff Fish. I did a story on that and they contended that all of the injuries were football related. Even some of Ron Medlin's folks are pointing at the training staff. I'm sure all of that will get evaluated.
Yes. He's an excellent coach.
tfalcon -- Hard to kill them when you know that their starters have missed 39 games, second most in the league. 12 starters have been injured and have missed games.
They plan to continue to try to win. I think once you're mathematically eliminated you can start playing the young guys and get ready for next season.
Harold, I'm of the school of thought that you either can block or you can't. I don't know how you improve blocking in-season. I'll keep asking "How do you improve blocking?"
ED LYONS - One of the biggest problem with the falcons is there backup linebackers,they can't cover tight ends and to many miss tackles
LEDBETTER – Those are both major problems.
DALE -- "And here is what's wrong with the Mike Smith era of Atlanta Falcons footballl....
When asked about the upcoming Carolina game, S. Jackson said this... ""We have to make sure that we match their intensity..."" Why do we have to match 'their' intensity. What about our own? Where is our own? Why aren't 'they' worried about matching the Falcons' intensity?"
LEDBETTER – You, mean what’s wrong with having winning seasons all the time and going to the playoffs? The Cleveland folks would take this in a second. I feel you on the intensity thing. Carolina is going to bring the heat. Falcons need to take it to them first.
BLAKE -- "D. Led,
Is it possible that are defense isn't growing or getting better because Mike Smith insists on running a 4-3 when Nolan is a 3-4 guy. Look at what he built in San Fran. He even worked wonders in Miami. I know we have injuries, but we're just not really effective. We weren't last year either. Matty's last second heroics saved our defense a ton last season."
LEDBETTER – They run a hybrid 4-3, 3-4. They are very young on that side of the ball. They were hoping to develop those guys while the offense was throwing up 35-40 points a game.
KEVIN UNDERWOOD -- Most of the talent we have on our O-line and D-line have been around for a while. At least long enough for someone on the coaching staff to know that if needed, they could not be depended upon to take the place of a starter. That along with the free agent signings of the past, it seems that the Falcons have a staff full of people who can't judge talent. Why haven't this problem been addressed by Mr. Blank?
LEDBETTER – You analysis is a bit harsh. Injuries are BIG FACTOR. This is the same talent that’s been to the playoffs the four of the past five years and was 10 yards short of the Super Bowl. The line evaluations may have been a bit off, but that’s it.
CEDRIC -- With the Defensive personnel I'm not confident we can leave Carolina with a win. What do you feel we could do to improve our run defense without giving up the big play?
LEDBETTER – They may have to cut down the rotation and leave the starters on the field more. There were a lot of young guys on the field when Ellington busted that 80-yard run.
GEO -- Any thoughts on T. Gonzales this week? I would think Jackson's being out there should help him. He should have a big game. The Cardinals allow the most yards to TE's in the league this year.
LEDBETTER – Tony or the second or third receiver should be open. Peterson on Douglas will be a good matchup to watch. Harry’s tough and feisty. He’ll get his catches.
They need their draft picks.
